Nairobi: Kenya and Japan have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening their bilateral partnership in the health sector. This was during a bilateral meeting between Cabinet Secretary for Health Aden Duale and Minoru Kiuchi, Minister of State for Health Care Policy, Japan, on the sidelines of the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) 9.
According to Kenya News Agency, during the meeting, Kenya highlighted Japan's instrumental support in areas such as health security and infectious disease control, medical technology and innovation, and capacity development and human resources for health. The country also expressed its gratitude for Japan's contributions to initiatives such as the Africa Health and Wellbeing Initiative (AfHWIN), which aims to strengthen Universal Health Coverage and expand access to life-saving health technologies.
The two countries have a long-standing friendship built on mutual respect, shared priorities, and a common vision for healthier and more resilient populations, with Japan being a partner in advancing health systems, research, and innovation. Looking ahead, Kenya is keen to expand collaboration with Japan in priority areas such as health innovation and technology transfer, climate change and health resilience, non-communicable diseases and ageing populations, and sustainable health financing models.
The two countries are committed to translating their shared vision into concrete programmes that touch lives in communities, hospitals, and research institutions. CS Duale expressed Kenya's deep appreciation to the government and people of Japan for their steadfast partnership and said he looks forward to continued collaboration to strengthen bilateral cooperation and contribute meaningfully to Africa-Japan collaboration in global health.
The meeting was attended by Dr Daniel Mwai, Presidential Advisor, Health; DG Health Dr Patrick Amoth; and Dr Abdullahi Ali, Chair KEMRI.